Mike Pucillo grew up in a conservative home. He began wrestling at the age of six. In 2008, Mike achieved his ultimate dream as a collegiate national champion, but he was hiding a big secret – one that was taboo in the masculine world of wrestling. He felt alone, conflicted and angry. But he used his anger as strength to fight on and off the mat, and tell the world he is gay. As he coaches young athletes now, he wants to pass on more than just wrestling. Mike wants to teach them character and the importance of being true to yourself, a trait he learned from his friend Johnny. When Johnny died, he was able to save lives through organ donation. Mike wants to share his friend’s story to educate the LGBTQ community that everyone is able to be a donor. It doesn’t depend on sexual orientation; it solely depends on the willingness to give the ultimate gift of life.

ABOUT LIFELINE OF OHIO

An independent, non-profit organization, Lifeline of Ohio promotes and coordinates the donation of human organs and tissue for transplantation.